Free AMPP CP1 Tester Exam Flashcards

An anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and a metallic return path that completes the electrical circuit.

At the anode, where metal atoms lose electrons and enter the electrolyte as ions.

At the cathode, where electrons are consumed by a reduction reaction rather than by metal loss.

A conductive medium containing mobile ions, such as soil or water, that carries ionic current between anodic and cathodic areas.

It supplies current so the protected metal behaves as a cathode, reducing its anodic dissolution.

A more active sacrificial anode is electrically connected to the structure and drives current without an external power supply.

An external DC power source drives current from an anode system through the electrolyte to the protected structure.

A shift in electrode potential caused by current flow and electrochemical reactions; adequate polarization reduces corrosion rate.

The loss or decay of polarization after protective current is reduced or interrupted.

Voltage equals current times resistance: V = IR. Any one value can be found when the other two are known.

Series resistances add, and the same current flows through every component.

Total current divides among branches, while the voltage across each parallel branch is the same.

The amount of metal consumed is proportional to current and time, with the metal's electrochemical equivalent determining the rate.

Lower resistivity generally allows more current to flow for a given driving voltage and geometry.

It reduces exposed metal area and current demand, allowing CP current to focus on coating defects.

A condition in which another material or configuration blocks protective current from reaching the structure surface.

Accelerated metal loss where unintended current leaves a structure and returns to its external source.

To control current paths, reduce current loss to connected structures, and define sections that can be tested and protected effectively.

It draws very little current, minimizing measurement error caused by loading the structure-reference-cell circuit.

A stable comparison potential used to measure the potential of a structure in contact with an electrolyte.

Contamination, drying, damage, or poor contact can shift its potential and make field readings unreliable.

A known low resistance that produces a measurable voltage drop, allowing current to be calculated from Ohm's law.

Instrument identity, model and serial number, calibration or verification status, condition, and any abnormal setup or behavior.

The meter connects to the structure and to a reference electrode placed in the electrolyte.

Location and soil conditions affect voltage gradients; consistent placement makes readings more comparable and interpretable.

Voltage created by current flowing through resistance in the electrolyte or measurement path, which can distort the apparent structure potential.

A potential measured immediately after synchronized interruption of CP current to reduce the current-related IR-drop component.

A series of closely spaced structure-to-electrolyte readings used to evaluate how protection varies along a buried structure.

So multiple current sources switch together, producing a meaningful off period for system-wide potential measurements.

A small exposed metal surface connected to the structure that can support measurements less affected by current flowing to other coating defects.

Divide the measured voltage drop by the shunt's known resistance, keeping units and the shunt factor consistent.

Use the polarity of the measured voltage together with the known lead orientation and shunt connections.

DC output voltage and current, tap settings, meter verification observations, operating status, and relevant site conditions.

Soil resistivity from measured resistance and equal probe spacing, using the appropriate geometric conversion.

The standard calculation assumes evenly spaced probes in a straight line; unequal spacing invalidates that geometry.

Measuring resistivity of a collected soil or electrolyte sample in a cell with known geometry.

Conductive locating directly connects the transmitter to the structure; inductive locating couples a signal without a direct connection.

Whether metallic components have an electrically continuous path between the selected test points.

Compare appropriate potentials or use an approved isolation tester while considering parallel paths and connected equipment.

To provide accessible, identified connections for repeatable structure potential, current, continuity, bond, or isolation measurements.

Correct connection, current direction and magnitude, structure response, lead integrity, and complete installation records.

Measure anode current and relevant potentials, then compare the results with expected polarity, circuit condition, and prior data.

Unexpected current demand, loss of isolation, coupled potential behavior, or current tracing toward an unintended connection.

Loose, corroded, reversed, or mislabeled leads can create false readings that resemble real CP problems.

Date, time, location, weather, surface and soil condition, equipment used, CP operating state, and unusual site observations.

Different structures, environments, and governing documents may require different criteria; a reading has meaning only in the correct context.

Trends, system changes, compliance, troubleshooting, and future decisions depend on traceable measurements and test conditions.

The structure route, test locations, crossings, bonds, isolation points, rectifiers, anodes, and other features affecting the survey.

When an uncontrolled hazard, missing authorization, unsafe condition, or task outside competence makes continued work unacceptable.

It isolates hazardous energy and prevents unexpected energization while equipment is opened, inspected, or serviced.